Roadside mower



Sept. 21, 1943. J. s. CLAPPER ROAD SIDE MOWER Filed March 28, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 [VVENTOE JOHNSZCLAPPER ATTORNEY p 2 1943- J. s. CLAPPER I ROAD SIDE MQWER Filed March 28, 1941 4 Sheets-sheaf. 5 v

. JOf/NiC'L/IPPER BYEQI ATTORNEY Se t. 21, 194s. J, 5, CLARPER 2,329,881

ROAD SIDE MOWER Fil'ed March 28, 1941 4 Shets-Sheet 4 N as a 4 N INVENTOR ATTORNEY ?aienied- Sept. 2%, i943 UNITED STATES PATENT I oFncE ROADSIDE MOWER;

John S. Clapper, Minneapolis, Minn, assignor to Tom Manufacturing Corporation of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn. a corporation of Minnesota Application March 28, 1941, Serial No. 385,771

15 Claims. (01. 56-25) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in mowing machines of the sickle bar type used for mowing vegetation and rank growth along roadsides, and is a further development of the mowers shown and described in my co-pending application, Serial No. 320,920, flied February 26, 1940, and the co-pending application of Amos F. Moyer, Serial No. 326,918, filed March 30, 1940.

Many of the parts illustrated in the present application are shown and described in detail in the aforesaid co-pending applications and therefore need not be described in detail herein.

It is usually customary in mowers of this type to carry the sickle bar on a power propelled vehicle, such as a tractor, and utilize the motor of the tractor for supplying power for eifecting the various functions of the sickle bar, such as reciprocating the sickle or cutting knife; adjusting the cutting position of the sickle bar relative to the ground and in conformity with varying inclinations of roadside shoulders and ditches; and for elevating the sickle'bar to clear obstructions which may be in the path thereof.

Under such an arrangement the reciprocal movement of the sickle depends more or less upon the traveling movement of the tractor which movement varies with the conditions of the road. For example, when traveling over rough or soft roads, or steep slopes and through heavy growth, the tractor speed must necessarily be reduced, which usually produces a reduction in sickle speed. However, the nature of the growth might demand a rapid reciprocal movement to completely sever the growth engaged and such reduction, accordingly, is productive of an inemcient mowing operation.

In mowers where the sickle is driven from the tractor motor, it frequently happens, even when means are provided for varying the speed of the sickle bar with respect to the traveling movement of the tractor or vehicle, that the sickle cannot be operated fast enough to produce a clean cut without taxing thetractor beyond its safe operating load, particularly when the grass or growth being cut is heavy and hard to cut.

The reciprocal speed of the sickle should be such as to produce a clean cut, regardless of the nature of the growthbeing cut, it being understood that light growth may require fewer reciprocations of the sickle per unit of advance of the tractor to produce a clean cut, than when operating in heavy growth.

To assure eflicient operation of the sickle, it is therefore essential that the mower be so constructed that the sickle may be operated at the proper speed to eflect eiiicient cutting of the growth, regardless of the nature thereof, and

independently of the traveling speed of the tractor. In other words, the sickle should, at all times, be reciprocated fast enough to cleanly cut all grass or growth en ed thereby, but not too fast to cause undue vibration in the machine, which may result in rapid wear of the operating parts.

Another factor to be considered in roadway mowing is that of expeditious operation, which determines, to a large extent, the cost of performing such operations.

In the novel mower herein disclosed, an independent motor is provided for driving the sickle, as well as furnishing power for adjusting the sickl bar from one position to another, whereby the operator of the tractor or vehicle may readily and quickly shift the position of the sickle bar to clear sign posts. trees, or other fixed objects located in the traveling path of the sickle bar, by the simple manipulation of one or more control levers located convenient to the operator's seat. All such adjustments may be expeditiously accomplished without retarding or interrupting the traveling movement of the tractor. It is therefore highly desirable that means be provided whereby all of the operations of the sickle bar including the positioning thereof relative to the ground, and the driving of the sickle may be accomplished by a power unit which is wholly independent of the usual motor for propelling the tractor or vehicle.

An important object of the present invention therefor is to provide a road side mowing machine in which the supporting vehicle is provided with a motor for propelling it, and a second motor is provided for operating the sickle and positioning the sickle bar relatively to the ground, whereby the operation of the sickle and substantially all of the operations of the sickle bar may be expeditiously accomplished by power independently of the power for propelling the man shaft supported for translator-y movement with respect to the vehicle and ground, and having a flexible driving connection with said drive shaft, said driving connection including a floating countershaft having means for maintaining it in fixed spaced relation to the drive and pitman shafts, whereby the position of the pitman shaft with respect to the drive shaft or ground will not aflect the operation of said flexible drive.

A further object is to provide a power driven mower comprising a tractor having a motor mounted thereon for propelling it. and a swing frame being pivoted to the tractor frame and having a pitman shaft rotatably mounted therein, and a sickle bar being pivoted to the swing frame in the axis of the pitn an shaft, whereby the sickle bar is adjustable for swinging "movement in a vertical plane about the axis of the pitman shaft, and a second motor being mounted on the tractor frame and having a driving connection with the pitman shaft, whereby thesickle of the sickle bar may be operated by said second motor independently of the tractor motor,-

and mechanism operatively connecting the swingframe and sickle bar with said second motor whereby the power of said second motor may be utilized for vertically adjusting the sickle bar relatively to the ground and during traveling movement of the apparatus.

g A further object is to provide an apparatus of the class described comprising means for selectively adjusting the sickle bar and its swing support to a plurality of positions with respect'to the vehicle frame under power of a motor which is independent of the power source of the vehicle.

A further object is to provide improved meansfor locking the sickle bar in any one of a plurality of selected positions with respect to the vehicle frame, which means is located convenient proved mowing machine, the vehicle or tractor being shown in dotted lines;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the mowing machine. a portion of the vehicle only being shown in dotted lines; V

Figure 3 is a detail sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure 2, showing the sickle bar lifting mechanism;

Figure 4 is a detail sectional view on the line 4-6 of Figure 3, on a larger scale;

Figure 5 is a detail sectional view on the ,line 5-5 of Figure 3 on a larger scale;

Figure 6 is a rear elevational view of the machine showing the sickle bar in horizontal operable position;

Figure 7 is a detail sectional view on the lines 1-! of Figure 2, showing the sickle bar in vertical inoperative position; 7 I

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the swing frame removed from the mower;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view substantially on the line 9-9 of Figure 2, showing the pivotal connection between the swing frame and the sickle bar;

Figure 10 is a view showing a modified form of flexible drive between the auxiliary motor drive shaft and the pitman shaft with some of the mower parts omitted:

Figure 11 is a plan view of Figure 10; and

Figure 12 is an enlarged detail view showing one of the supporting bearings for the countershaft. shown in Figure 11.

In the selected embodiment of the invention here shown, there is illustrated in dotted lines, for purposes of disclosure, a tractor, generally designated by the numeral l0, which' provides a support for my improved mowing machine. It is to be understood that any other type of automotive vehicle, suitable for the purpose, may be used, if desired. The tractor I0 is shown comprising a front axle H having front wheel l2 mounted thereon adapted for steering movement by a suitable steering mechanism, partially shown at I8 in Figure 2, and operable by a steering wheel M, shown in Figures 1 and 6. The tractor furtherhas a rear axle differential housing it, upon which is moimted the usual rear drive wheels i6 and H. The drive wheels are driven from the usual tractor motor l8 through a speed'change transmission i9, shown having a propeller shaft 20 connecting it to a rear axle speed change transmission 2l', mounted on the differential housing 22. The transmission 2| is connected internally to the differential, and the drive from the diflerential to the drive wheels It and I! may be of conventional type. The tractor chassis is shown comprising side frame members 23 connected together by a front cross member 25 and a cradle member 28, which cooperate to support the power unit or motor ll of the tractor.

The power mowing machine herein disclosed is shown comprising a sickle bar, generally designated by the numeral 21 which is similar to the one shown and described in the aforementioned pending application of Amos F. Moyer. The sickle bar is shown mounted at the right hand side of the tractor and comprises a sickle 28 mounted for reciprocal movement thereon with respect to the usual guards 29 of the sickle bar. The sickle bar is shown provided with inner and outer ground engaging shoes 3] and 32, respectively, and is pivoted to a sickle head, generally designated by the numeral. by pivots 34 and 35, whereby the sickle bar is pivotally ad- Justable about the axis M of the pivots 34 and 35, as will be understood by reference to Figures 2 and 6. The pivots 34 and 35 are supported on a plate-like member 3'! forming a part of the sickle head 33, as shown in Figure 6. A suitable crank 38 is mounted on the member 31 and has a connection with the forward end of the inner shoe 3l of the sickle bar, as shown at 39, whereby the sickle bar may be conveniently tilted about the axis a-a to adjust its angle of incidence with respect to the ground.

The sickle head 33 is pivotally mounted on the outer extremities 4| and 42 of an A-shaped swing frame, generally indicated by the numeral 43 which, in turn, is pivoted to the tractor frame, as will subsequently be described. The sickle head, as best shown in Figure 9, is provided with upstanding lugs or members 44 and 45, the former providing a bearing for the trunnion 46 of the swing frame; and the member 45 providing a pivotal support for the leg 42 of the swi g frame by means of a pivot 40.

asaaesi A pitman shaft s1 is rotatably mounted in the trunnion at and has a pair of pulleys or sheaves 58 secured to one end thereof. A crank disk 59 is secured to the opposite end of the pitman shaft 47, and carries a crank pin 5:. A suitable pitman 52 has one end pivotally connected to the crank pin 5! and its opposite end has a .ball and socket connection 53 with the inner end of the sickle 28, as shown in Figures 2 and 6. The pivot pin 40, as shown in Figure 9, is axially alined with the pitman shaft 41, whereby the sickle bar may be pivotally adjusted about an axis b-b which is coincident with the alined axes-of the pitman shaft 41 and pivot 40. as will readily be understood by reference to Figures 6 and 9. By pivotally mounting the sickle banss above described, the angular position thereof with respect to the ground does not affect the opera .tion of the pitman 52, whereby the sickle bar may follow the contour of the ground and the sickle bar drops to a position below the horiinclination of shoulders without interfering with the operation of the pitman and sickle.

The inner end of the swing frame is shown comprising spaced plates 54 and 55 suitably secured to the innerends of the legs .ll and 42 of the swing frame by such means as welding,

A suitable cross member 56 secures together the outer ends of the legs ll and 42, as best shown in Figure 8. The swing frame is plvotally connected to a plate 51 by a pivot pin or bolt 58, the plate I! being received between the plates 54 and I of the swing frame. as best shown in Figure 8. The plate 51 is provided with spaced lugs 59 and BI apertured to receive a pivot pin or rod 62 mounted in a bracket 63 shown secured to the cradle member 26 of the tractor frame. By thus connecting the swing frame to the tractor frame, the sickle bar'and swing frame may swing in a horizontal direction abouttheaxis 0-0 of the pivot pin 58, shown in Figure 8, and is also adapted for vertical swinging movement about the axis d-d of the pivot pin 62. shown in Figure 2. v

Means is provided for counterbaiancing the sickle bar 21 on the swing frame, andisshoWncomprising a suitable spring 64 having one end connected to the upper end of an upright lug 65, secured to the plate-like member- 31; of the sickle head by a pin 66. The opposite end of the spring 64 is connected to an, upright lug 61, shown provided on the plate, as shown? at .68 in Figure 6. Means is also provided for. counterbalancing the weight of the sickle bar, sickle head, and outer end of the swing frame, whereby a portion of the weight of these parts. may be transmitted to the tractor frame. The'means for thus counterbalancing the sickle-head and sickle bar is shown comprising a substantially vertically disposed spring 69, having .itsi.lower end connected to 9. lug" 'Il provided on the forward end of the swing frame, and its upper end to, an oflset angle bracket .Ilby a suitable hook bolt 13, whereby the tensionin the spring. may be adjusted in accordance with the weightzto be counterbalanced thereby. Theangle brackets-1.2

is secured to the upper endof an upright. post v"I4, preferably of angle iron cross-section; and has its lower end suitably secured toa plate flirfixed to a longitudinally extending plate It-,s uitably secured to one of the side frame members of the tractor frame, asshown in Figuresland -2., arcuately formed plate ll is providedi on the sickle head 33, directly below: the spring. 6, 4,- and serves tospace the spring 64 fromthe axis "of the pitman shaft 41, when the outer 'end'ofithe 'ment of the sickle bar a fixed obstruction.

zontal, whereby the counter-balancingfeflect of the spring 8 3 is retained, regardless of the angular position of the sickle bar below thehorizontal.

The sickle bar and sickle head, as hereinbefore stated, are mounted for horizontal swinging movements about the axis c-c at the upperend of the swing frame 43, thereby to avoid damage to the sickle bar, should it strike an obstruction,

while in operation. The sickle bar and swing frame are normally retained in right angular relation, to the direction of travel of the tractor by asuitable yieldable draw bar, generally indicated by the numeral 18 in Figure 2. a This draw bar is shown comprising an elongated clevis l9 1 having its lower end'pivotally connected to a lug "provided on the forward portion of the swing frame 43. Arod 82 is shown havingv its lower end 's'lidably connected tothe upper end of the clevis 19, and has a suitable spring 83 coiled thereaboutv within the clevis, means being provided at the lower end of the rod for retaining the rod in the spring. The upper end of the rod 82 ispivotally connected to a suitable bracket N securedflto thetractor frame. The tension in the spring," is suflici'ent to retain the sickle bar in its normal operating position,..as shown in Figure 2, but permitsrearwtgd swinging movey when the latter engages An important'feature or the present invention residesjin theprovision of power means for driving the sickle and vertically adjusting the position ofthesickle bar and sickle head, whereby such operations may be performed independently of the power of the tractor motor. The means provided forthus effecting the various operations of the power mower comprises an auxiliary motor, designatedby the letter E. This motor' is shown mounted on upright supporting members 85 andij86"s e cured to a base plate 81 which, in

'turn, issuitably secured to the tractor platform,

by suchmeans as bolts 88, as will be understood has a conventional governor control, not shown,

' manually adjustable to vary the-speed of the mo- 'sbiej 'larh st uoq, and comprises cooperating, mem

tor within} alimite'd range of load variations.

Consequently, the motor speed may be "adjusted for anyfparticula'r type of growth, and is not'dependent upon the traveling movement of-the tractorufi In the embodimentof the invention. as here shomtheshaft of the motor E is provided with an extension 9| which is rotatably supported in a. bearing, bracket '92, "removably secured. to a support '93 which, may be .welded to the base plate 8,1,.as shown in Figure 6. Fo'rconvenience, the extension shaft- Stand the shaft of -the motor E "will 1 iereirulfter be referred to as the motor drive shaft.' 1. A suitable starting. pulley orv sheave .SILjis sec ed to theouter}endofthe. drive-shaft tiif' adaptedfto receive. asuitable rope for startt 1 'jLAdpubl I sheave or pulley 9,5, is mounted for tree rotary m vement'bh thedrive shaft}! and opj'e' ativelygengage able therewith by a suitgenerally designated by the numeral clutch 96 may he 0i conventional conmas n fixed to the drive: shaft. 9! and the othersecuredto'the pulley 95. The clutch is. controlled by a suitable shift lever 91, conveniently operable from thedrivers seator position on the tracton; The shift; lever is secured to a shaft carrying a clutch fork 00 which is operativeiy encased with a suitable clutch collar IOI which, in turn, {is operativeiy engaged with the usual friction elements of the clutch. The parts are so arranged. that when the shift lever 91 is moved forwardly to the full line position shown in Figure 1, the clutch is rendered operable to drive the pulley s5, and when moved rearwardly to the dotted line position in the same figure, the driving connection between the clutch and the pulley as is interrupted.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the means provided for transmitting power from the auxiliary motor E to the pitman shaft 41, whereby the sickle 23 may be operated. regardless of the angular position of the sickle bar with respect to the tractor. The means provided for thus transmitting power from the engine E to the sickle, comprises a flexible drive, prefer ably including a pair of v-belts I02 having driving connections with the double pulley 95 and a double pulley I023 secured to one end of a countershaft I04, shown mounted in suitable bearings I and I03 provided in a tubular bearing housing I01. The bearing housing is provided with laterally extending spaced parallel arms I08 and I09 having their inner ends pivotally connected to brackets III and M2, by suitable pivot bolts or pins 3. The bracket III is shown secured to the base plate 81 of the motor E and the bracket H2 may be suitably secured to the elongated plate 16, as shown in Figure 1. The pivot pin or bolts H3 are axially alined with the motor drive shaft 9 I, whereby the countershaft I04 is mounted for swinging movement about an axis e-e, which is coincident with the axis of the motor drive shaft 9|. By thus mounting the countershaft I05, it may be oscillated about the axis e-e, without effecting the driving engagement of the belts I02 with the pulleys 05 and I03.

The arms I03 and I09 are longitudinally adjustable to tension the belts I02. To thus vary the length of the arms, each comprises a member II4 having one end secured to the bearing housing I01 and suitably braced thereto by braces Ill. The opposite end portion of each arm is composed of spaced bars 3 and 1, between which the member 4 is fitted. as clearly illustrated in Figure 2. Suitable bolts H8 secure the bars H0 and H1 to the member 4 in adjusted position, it being understood that the arm members 6 are provided with suitable slots II9 for receiving the bolts H8, as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 7. Adjusting screws I2I are mounted in offset end portions I22 of each arm member H1 and engage the tubular bearing housing I01, as shown in Figure 2, and cooperate with the bolts I I0 to retain thearms in adjusted position in a lengthwise direction.

Power is transmitted from the counter shaft I34 to the pitman shaft 41 by a double pulley I23 having V-belts I24 connecting it to the double pulley 43 secured to the pitman shaft, as shown in Figures 1 and 9. The spacing between the counter and pitman shafts I04 and 41, respectively. is maintained by an articulated connecting link, generally designated by the numeral I 25. This connecting link has its lower end pivotally connected to a lug I26, shown secured to a collar I21 mounted on the trunnion 43 of the swing frame, as clearly illustrated in Figures 1 and 9. The upper end of the connecting link is pivotally connected to a coupling member I28 which, in turn, is pivoted to a bracket I by a pivot pin asaaasr III. The bracket I28 is secured to the bearing housing Ifl1 and is so arranged that the axis of the pivot pin I3I is coincident with the axis of the counter shaft I04. A suitable turn-buckle I32 is provided inthe connecting link I25, whereby it may be longitudinally adjusted to properly tension the belts I24 between the pulleys I23 and GB. The connecting link I25 serves to maintain a fixed distance between the axes of the pitman and counter shafts, whereby when the sickle head 33 is vertically adjusted, a corresponding movement is imparted to the counter shaft I04. Thus, a driving connection is always maintained between the belts I24 and pulleys 40 and I23. The pivotal connection I33 between the upper end of the connecting link I28 and the coupling block I23 permits rearward swinging movement of the sickle bar, as will readily be understood.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the position of the sickle bar 21 and sickle head 33 with respect to the tractor body does not affect the driving connection between the sickle 2B and the motor drive shaft 9|, because the arms I 03 and I03 always maintain the drive shaft and counter shaft in fixed spaced relation and, in like manner, the connecting link I25 maintains a fixed distance between the counter shaft I04 and pitman shaft 31.

Means is provided for vertically swinging the sickle bar about the axis b--b of the pitman shaft 41 by the power of the auxiliary motor E and is shown comprising a slow speed shaft I34 having a driving connection with the motor E through a, suitable speed reducer I35, shown in Figures 1 and 2. One end of the slow speed shaft I38 is supported in the speed reducer I35, and its opposite end is supported in a bearing I36 provided in a standard I31 se'cured to the base plate 31, shown in Figures 1 and 6. A. suitable clutch, generally designated by the numeral I30 is mounted on the slow speed shaft I34 and com prises an inner. member I 33 which is keyed to the shaft I34 and comprises oppositely disposed friction shoes I, shown in Figures 4 and 5.

The clutch I38 also comprises anouter member or drum I42 which is mounted for relative rotation on the shaft I34 and has a suitable sprocket- I43 secured thereto, as shown in Figure 5. Suitable means, not shown, is provided on the shaft for retaining the drum I42 in proper position on the shaft with respect to the inner clutch member I39.

A pair of dogs I44 are pivoted to the inner clutch member I39 and have operative connections with the friction shoes I4I, as shown at I45 in Figures 4. A cone I45 is mounted for sliding movement on the shaft I34 adapted to engage and actuate the dogs I 44, whereby the friction shoes are expanded into frictional driving engagement with the inner face of the drum I42. The cone I48 is arranged to be operated by a lever I41 having a hub I43 mounted on a horizontal rod or shaft I 49 secured to the standard I31. An upright arm I5I is provided on the hub I48 and has a link I52 connecting it to an arm I53 secured to a rock shaft I54 mounted in suitable bearings provided in a bracket I55, having one end secured to the upper end of the standard I31. The rock shaft I 54 carries a clutch-operating member I55 having its forked terminals engaged with a clutch collar I51 operatively associated with the cone I46, and whereby the cone may be moved into or out of operative engagement with the dogs. by oscillation of the lever I41, By thus operatively connecting the lever It! with the cone M6, it will be noted, by reference to the drawings, that when the lever is in its forward position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2,'the cone will be out of operative engagement with the dogs E44, whereby the shaft ltd idles freely in the clutch drum 362, it being understood that the cone is non-rotatably mounted on the shaft ted. Conversely, when the lever is moved in a rearward direction, as indicated by the arrow ltd, shown in Figures 1 and 3, the clutch is rendered operable to drive the sprocket M3, whereby the sickle bar is swung upwardly about the axis b-b of the pitman shaft M, as will subsequently be described.

The sprocket let has a chain 59 operatively connecting it to a relatively larger sprocket I 68 secured to. a shaft I52 which carries at its forward end, a winding drum, generally designated by the numeral I63. The rear end of the shaft I62 is shown supported in a bearing I66, and its forward end is supported in a bearing I65 provided in an upright bracket I55, as shown in Figure I. The bracket I66 may be secured to a plate I 6'! which, in turn, is suitably secured to the supporting plate It by such means as welding. A suitable guide sheave I58 is rotatably mounted between the plates I and I61 and is supported on a short stud or shaft I69 carried by said plates. A chain "I has one end secured to the winding drum I63 and is trained under the guide sheave I58 and has its opposite end secured to the plate-like member 9? of the sickle head 33 by a suitable pin I72, shown inl Figure 6. The chain I'II is supported on a suitable quadrant I13 provided on the sickle head, which supports the chain in spaced relation to the pitman shaft dl, thereby to facilitate up- .wardly swinging the outer end of the sickle bar,

when the shaft I92 is rotated by manipulation of the clutch lever Itl. When the shaft I62 is thus rotated in one direction, the chain III is wound about the winding drum I63 with the result that the sickle bar is swung upwardly about the axis bb of the pitman shaft M, as hereinbefore stated.

Means is provided whereby when the shaft I62 is rotated to upwardly swing the sickle bar on its axis b-b, and the sickle bar reaches apredetermined position, continued rotation of the shaft I62 will cause the swing frame 63 to swing upwardly, as a unit, with. the sickle bar and sickle head to permit the sickle bar to be swung to its transport position, as shown in Figure '7. When thus positioned, the sickle head and outer end of the swing frame will be elevated to a position clear of the ground, whereby the tractor and mower may be moved overcomparatively rough ground, when moving from place to place.

The means provided for thus elevating the sickle head and swing frame, is shown comprising a chain I'l having its. upper end secured to a fixed bracket I15 and its lower end to an arm 176 provided on the sickle head 33. In the operation of upwardly swinging the outer end of the sickle bar by rotation of the shaft I52, when the chain I14 becomes taut, upward swinging movement is imparted to the swing frame, as will readily be understood by reference to Figures '7 and 6, whereby the parts may he swimg from the position shown in Figure 9 to that shown in Figure 7.

Means is also provided for controlling the return movement of the swing frame, sickle head, and sickle bar from the position shown in Figprises a suitable brake, generally designated by the numeral I71, and shown in Figures 3 and e. This-brake comprises a brake band I18 adapted to engage the periphery of the clutch drum I42.

One end of the brake band I18 is secured to a fixed member I'Ib, shown secured to the overhanging end of the bracket I55, shown in Figure 3. The opposite end portion of the brake band lid has a suitable clip I8! secured thereto, shown carrying a tubular member I82 having an outwardly extending finger I83 adapted to be engaged by an outwardly extending lug I84 secured to the upper end of the arm I53, as shown in Fig ure 3. A suitable spring I85 is coiled. about a rod I86, the upper end ofv which is secured to the member I19, as shown in Figure d. The spring I85 constantly urges'the lower end of the brake band I18 upwardly into frictional engagement with the drum I82.

The sickle brake W1 is operable by means of the clutch lever IGI, as will be understood by reference to Figure 3. When the lever Ml is swung forwardly to a predetermined position, the lug I8 on the arm I53 will engage thev finger I83 on the brake actuating member I82, whereby said member is thrust downwardly against the tension of the spring I95, whereby the brake band I18 is released from the drum I42. The arrangement of the brake band I18 with respect to the direction of rotation of the drum I42 is such that when the tubular brake actuating member I82 is released, and the spring I85 moves the band into frictional engagement with the drum, the combined forces imparted to the brake band I18 by the rotary movement of the drum I42 and the action of the spring I95, will cause the band to firmly grip the drum and interrupt rotation thereof. Thus, the brake I I7 is self-energizing, andmay be utilized to temporarily hold the swing frame and sickle bar in an elevated, inoperative position, as shown in Figure 7. The brake may also be used to control the downward movement of the swing frame and sickle bar to the operative position shown in Figure 6.

Means is also provided for positively locking the swing frame in the horizontal elevated position shown in Figure 7, and is shown comprising a vertically slidable bar I8! mounted for vertical'sliding movement in suitable guides I88 and I 89, provided on the upright angle iron post I4, shown in Figure 7. A link I9I connects the lower and of the bar I81 to the swing frame, as shown, whereby vertical sliding movement of the bar I81 will vertically swing the swing frame about the axis d-d. To secure the bar I8! in adjusted position, its upper end portion is shown provided with a plurality of spaced apertures I92 adapted to receive a locking pin or bolt I94 arranged to be inserted into a selected aperture I92 in the locking bar I81. The locking bolt, when inserted in an aperture I92, engages the upper guide I89, whereby the swing frame is positively locked against downward movement. The lock pin is preferably inseparably connected to the upper end of the post It by a suitable chain I95 which is of sufdcient length to permit free manipulation of the lock pin I94. The lock pin I94 preferably has a shoulder I98 spaced inwardly from the adjacent terminal thereof, which termi-,

nal is threaded as shown in Figure 1 to receive a nut I9'I. Bythus constructing. the locking pin I94, it may be utilized to secure the sickle bar 27 in its upright inoperative position, as shown in Figure 7, by inserting the threaded terminal of we '7 to the position showninFigure 6, and com- 75 the lock pin through a lug I secured to the sickle bar, and securing the nut I97 to the lock pin, as shown in Figure 7. When the sickle bar is thus engaged by the lock pin I96, the brake Ill may serve to support the swing frame and connected parts in the position shown in Figure 7. Also, inasmuch as the sickle bar cannot pivot about its axis b--b with the pin I99 as utilized in this manner, the chain I14 is held taut and the swing frame cannot lower, which, in fact, relieves the self-energizing brake of the load even a as the pin, when associated with the bar I81 in any other swing frame position, relieves any strain on the brake.

Operation I positions, shown in Figure 6, it being understood that during such downward movement of the sickle bar, the chain Ill is free to unwind from the drum I93 because of the outer member or drum I42 of the clutch I38 being free to rotate on the shaft I34. The auxiliary motor E may be started before or after the sickle has been lowered to its operative position, as the driving connection between the pitman shaft 41 and the motor drive shaft 9| is not affected by the angular position of the sickle bar with respect to the swing frame. When the swing frame has been lowered to its operative position, as shown in Figure 6, it is free to follow varying ground contours as the chain "4 is then slack. If it is desired to support the sickle head in a position out of direct contact with the ground, it may readily be accomplished by simply inserting the lock pin I94 in one of the apertures I92 of the bar I81. The swing frame is raised to the desired level by first angularly adjusting the sickle bar under power of the auxiliary motor E by movingthe control lever I41 rearwardly to shift the cone I46 into operative engagement with the dogs I44, whereby the chain III is wound upon the winding drum I63. To thus vertically translate the swing frame by the power of the motor E, the sickle bar first relatively pivots upon the swing frame until it reaches a position to tighten the chain I74, whereupon the swing frame immediately begins to elevate, as a result of the tautness of the chain I14. After the swing frame has been locked in adjusted position by the lock pin I94, the sickle bar is readjusted to correspond to the slope to be mowed and is held by the energizing brake Ill. The operation of the sickle is controlled entirely by manipulation of the control lever 91 and the position of the sickle bar is controlled by the manipulation of the control lever I41.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the operator, from a seat on the tractor, may conveniently control the operation of the sickle and also the position of the sickle bar, all under power of the auxiliary motor E carried on the tractor frame. The mower and all its operating parts, as hereinbefore stated, are operated entirely independently of the tractormotor I8, whereby the load imposed upon the tractor motor to propel the vehicle, will not aflect the operation of the mower. The speed of the sickle bar may, as hereinbefore stated, be controlled by adjustment of the governor controlling the speed of the auxiliary motor, whereby the sickle may be operated at the proper speed required for the particular growth or grass being mowed.

In Figures 10, 11, and 12, I have shown a flexible drive between the drive shaft 9| of the auxiliary motor and the pitman shaft 41 which comprises a counter shaft I98, one end of which is shown mounted in a suitable bearing I99, which may be supported upon the base plate B1 of the auxiliary motor E. The opposite end of the counter shaft I98 may be supported in a bearing provided in one end of the hinge pin 62 pivotally connecting the swing frame 43 to the bracket I53 secured to the cradle 26 of the tractor frame, as shown in Figure 12. Suitable collars 20I are secured to the shaft I98 at opposite sides of the bearing I99 to prevent longitudinal movement of the shaft I98 in its bearings.

A double sheave or pulley 202 is secured to the counter shaft I 98 and is driven from the pulley 95 on the engine drive shaft 9| by a double belt 203, similar to the double belt I02, shown in Figure 6. Power is transmitted from the counter shaft I89 to the'pitman shaft 47 by a double belt 204 having a driving connection with a pulley 205 on the counter shaft and the pitman shaft pulley 48, as clearly shown in Figures 10 and 11. The belts 204 and pulleys 205 may be removed from the counter shaft I90 by loosening the forward collar 20I, whereby the counter shaft may be withdrawn from the bearing in the hinge pin I62.

The drive 204, shown in Figures 10 and 11, permits free vertical swinging movement of the outer.

end of the swing frame 43, as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 10, whereby the sickle bar may follow the contour of the ground, without affecting the operation of the drive 204, between .the counter shaft I90 and pitman shaft 41. The

drive 204 also permits rearward swinging movement of the sickle bar and swing frame about the axis 0-0. In the construction shown in Figures 10 and 11, the sickle bar is adjusted by power from the auxiliary motor E by manipulation of the control lever I41, in a manner similar to the construction shown in Figures 1 to 9.

I claim as my invention:

1. A tractor mower comprising a mobile frame provided with a motor for propelling it, a swing frame pivoted to the mobile frame and extending laterally therefrom, a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the swing frame and having a sickle mounted for reciprocal movement thereon, mechanism for imparting swinging movements to the sickle bar and the swing frame to move the sickle bar into. or out of operative position with respect to the ground, a second motor on the mobile frame, a driving connection between said second motor and the sickle, whereby the sicklemay be driven independently of the tractor motor, and control means operatively connecting said mechanism to the second motor, whereby the second motor may also be utilized 0 operate said mechanism to position the sickle 2. A power driven mowing machine comprising a mobile frame, a swing frame pivoted to the mobile frame, a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the swing frame and having a sickle mounted thereon, a motor on the mobile frame provided with a drive shaft, a pitman shaft mounted in the axis-of the sickle bar coni the power of .nection to the swing frame and having a pitman connecting it to the sickle, a counter shaft mounted in spaced parallel relation to the pitman and motor shafts, pivoted arms for supporting the counter shaft for swinging movement about the axis of the motor shaft, driving connections between the motor, counter, and pitman shafts for transmitting power from the motor to the sickle, and a sickle bar adjusting mechanism operatively connected to the motor, whereby the sickle bar may be vertically adjusted by operation of the motor, said swingable countershaft maintaining operative the driving connections between the motor and sickle, regardless of the position of the sickle bar.

3. A power driven mowing machine comprising a mobile frame, a swing frame pivoted to the mobile frame, a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the swing frame and having a sickle mounted thereon, a motor on the mobile frame provided with a drive shaft, a pitman shaft mounted in the axis of the sickle bar connection to the swing frame and having a pitman connecting it to the sickle, a counter shaft mounted in spaced parallel relation to the pitman and motor shafts, pivoted means for supporting the counter shaft on the mobile frame and whereby it is adapted for swinging movement about the axis of the motor shaft, means for supporting the counter and pitman shafts in accurately spaced relation, and suitable driving connections between the motor, pitman, and counter shafts for transmitting power from the motor to the sickle.

4. A power driven mowing machine comprising a mobile frame, a swing frame pivoted to v the mobile frame, a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the swing frame and having a sickle mounted thereon, a motor on the mobile frameprovided with a drive shaft, 9. sheave on said drive shaft, a pitman shaft mounted in the axis of the sickle bar connection to the swing frame and having a crank pin, a sheave secured to the pitman shaft, a pitman having one end connected to the crank pin and its opposite end,

to the sickle, a counter shaft mounted in spaced parallel relation to the pitman and motor shafts and adapted for swinging movement about the axis of the motor shaft, a sheave secured to the counter shaft, belts interconnecting said sheaves for transmitting power from the motor to the sickle, and clutch means whereby the power of the motor may be utilized for vertically adjusting the sickle bar relative to the ground.

5. In combination with a. mobile frame, a swing frame pivoted to the mobile frame and adapted for horizontal and vertical movements, at sickle bar pivotally connected at one endto the swing frame, whereby the sickle bar may be swung to a vertical inoperative position, a motor mounted on the mobile frame, power transmitting means operatively connecting the motor to the sickle bar, whereby the sickle bar may be mounted for reciprocal movement on the sickle bar, a motor on the mobile frame for driving the sickle, power transmitting means between the sickle bar and the motor whereby the sickle bar may be vertically adjusted relatively to the ground by the power of said motor, means for counterbalancing the sickle bar on the swing frame, and spring means for counterbalancing the combined weights of the sickle bar and swing frame, whereby a portion of the weight thereof is transferred to the mobile frame, said counterbalancing means relieving the motor of excessive load, when adjusting the sickle bar. 7

7. In combination with a mobile frame, a swing frame pivotally mounted thereon for swinging movement in a vertical plane, a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the swing frame and vertically adjustable with respect to the ground by swinging movement of the swing frame, a guide on the mobile frame, a locking bar slidable in said guide and having a connec-. tion with the swing frame, means engageable with said guide and said locking bar for securing the locking bar against longitudinal movement in said guide, thereby to secure the sickle bar in adjusted position with respect to the ground, and power means for vertically adjusting the sickle bar.

8. In combination with a mobile frame, a swing frame pivotally mounted thereon for swinging movement in a vertical plane, a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the swing frame and vertically adjustable with respect to the ground by swinging movement of the swing frame, a guide on the mobile frame, a locking bar slidable in said guide and having a link connection with the swing frame, and said locking bar having a plurality of spaced apertures therein adapted to receive a lock pin, thereby to secure the locking bar against movement and retain the swing frame and sickle bar in adjusted position with respect to the ground.

"9. In a mowing machine of the class described, a mobile frame, a swing frame pivoted thereto, a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the swing frame and having a sickle mounted thereon, a motor on the mobile frame provided with a drive shaft, 2:. pitman shaft mounted in the bearing member and laterally extending thereswung upwardly to an inoperative position by from and pivotally connected to the mobile frame in the axis of the motor shaft, whereby the bearing member is adapted for swinging movement about the axis of the motor shaft, and driving connections between the motor, counter, and pitman shafts for transmitting power from the motor to the sickle.

10. In a mowing machine of the class described, a mobile frame, a swing frame pivoted thereto, a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the swing frame and having a sickle mounted thereon, a motor on the mobile frame provided with a drive shaft, 2. pitman shaft mounted in the axis of the sickle bar connection to the swing frame and having a pitman connecting it to the sickle, a counter shaft, means supporting the "counter shaft on the mobile frame whereby it is shaft, and a second belt drive for transmitting power from the counter shaft to the pitman shaft, the swingable mounting of the counter shaft permitting the swing frame and sickle bar to be vertically adjusted on the mobile frame during operation of the sickle by said belt drives.

11. In a mowing machine of the class described, a mobile frame, a swing frame pivoted thereto, a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the swing frame and having a sickle mounted thereon, a motor on the mobile frame provided with a drive shaft, a pulley on said drive shaft, a pitman shaft mounted in the axis of the sickle bar connection to the swing frame and having a crank pin, a pulley secured to the Pitman shaft, a pitman connecting the crank pin to the sickle, a counter shaft, means for supporting the 'counter shaft in spaced parallel relation to the pitman and motor shafts and whereby said counter shaft is adapted for swinging movement about the axis of the motor shaft, 9. pair of pulleys secured to the counter shaft, a belt having driving connections with the pulley on the motor shaft and one of the pulleys on the counter shaft, a second belt drivingly connecting the other pulley on the counter shaft to the pitman shaft pulley and completingthe drive between the motor and the sickle, said belts and counter shaft permitting free vertical and horizontal movements of the sickle bar with respect to the mobile frame during operation of the sickle and adjustments of the sickle bar.

12. In an apparatus of the class described, a

mobile frame having power means for propelling it, a swing frame nivotally mounted on the mobile frame, a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the swing frame and having a. sickle mounted for reciprocal movement thereon,' an auxiliary motor on the mobile frame for driving the sickle independently of the power means of the mobile frame,-a mechanism for vertically adjusting the swing frame and sickle bar comprising a clutch having operative connections with the auxiliary motor and said mechanism, a control lever for rendering the clutch operable to drive said mechanism, whereby the sickle bar may be vertically adjusted with respect to the ground by the power of the auxiliary motor,.

and a self-energizing brake associated with the clutch adapted to secure the sickle bar in ad- ,iusted position, said brake also being operable to control downward movement of the sickle bar against gravity.

13. In an apparatus of the class described, a mobile frame having power means for propelling it, a swing frame pivotally mounted on the mobile frame, a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the swing frame and having a sickle mounted for reciprocal movement thereon, an auxiliary motor on the mobile frame for driving the sickle independently of the power means of the mobile frame, a mechanism for vertically adjusting the swing frame and sickle bar comprising a clutch having operative connections with the auxiliary motor and said mechanism and whereby the sickle bar may be vertically adjusted with respect to the ground by the power of the auxiliary motor, a. self-energizing brake associated with the clutch adapted to secure the swing frame and sickle bar in adjusted position against gravity, and a single control lever for rendering the clutch operable to drive said mechanism and elevate the swing frame and sickle bar, and whereby the brake may be operated to control downward movement of the sickle bar against gravity.

14. A power driven mowing machine comprising a movable frame, a swing frame, a pivot supporting the swing frame on the mobile frame whereby the outer end of the swing frame is adapted for swinging movement in a vertical plane. a sickle bar pivotally connected at one end to the outer end of the swing frame and having a sickle mounted thereon, a second motor on the mobile frame provided with a drive shaft, a pitman shaft mounted on the swing frame in the axis of the sickle bar connection to the swing frame, a pitman connecting the pitman shaft to the sickle, a counter shaft mounted in the axis of the swing frame pivot and having a driving connection with the drive shaft, and means providing a driving connection between the counter shaft and pitman shaft.

15. A mobile frame having a motor for propelling it, a sickle bar support hinged to said frame, a sickle bar pivotally hinged to the support and having a sickle mounted for reciprocal movement therein, and a second motor on the mobile frame connected to the sickle bar and capable of imparting reciprocating movement to the sickle independent of traveling movement of the mobile frame.

JOHN S. CLAPPER. 

